The truth behind 'human zoos' reported to exist in numerous popular tourist destinations has been revealed.
Young people are now travelling the world more than ever, thanks to cheaper airline flights, Instagram tourism and the crushing reality that few of us will ever have enough money to buy a house.
However, the rise in tourism has also sparked conversations about tourists travelling ethically and not causing damage to the picturesque locations they flock to every summer.
This also includes the inhabitants of the communities you visit, with visitors warned against visiting zoos which keep animals for tourist purposes.
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It's not just animals which travellers need to be mindful about either, as several destinations also sport places known as 'human zoos'.
The concept of a 'human zoo' is something you'd hope was an attraction banished into history, however, there are numerous reports of such attractions existing in Thailand.
Located across Thailand's northwestern Mae Hong Son district are villages of refugees from Myanmar called the Kayan people.
The Kayan people began migrating to Thailand in the late 1980s, predominantly fleeing war and persecution in their homeland, and swiftly became notable for their cultural dress.
Most notably, women in the Kayan Lahwi tribe adorn their necks with numerous brass rings. The goal of the rings is to elongate the neck, which is considered a symbol of attractiveness.
According to Build Myanmar Media, inhabitants of these villages tend to live a pre-industrial lifestyle as well as maintaining their traditional beliefs and customs.
Over the years, the villages have become a source of interest for people visiting Thailand, prompting many to worry about the exploitation of inhabitants, particularly the women wearing the brass rings.
Naturally, the rise in visitors has led to debates over whether or not visiting Kayan villages is a legitimate way to support the local people or an exploitative 'human zoo'.
One traveller who visited a village wrote that she left feeling 'naive and stupid' while a debate on the topic over on the Thailand Tourism subreddit leaned towards the settlements.
"I heard from people that went there, that it's basically a prison for refugees not only once. Also some thais told me that the people that live there are not really free to roam," wrote one person, while another claimed locals weren't 'allowed' to leave their village.
There's also the fact that several villages are 'fenced off' and charge entrance fees to visitors, which certainly doesn't feel ethical.
However, one filmmaker argues that visiting the villages isn't as black-and-white as some think.
In a 2018 mini-film, journalist Marko Randelovic visited the village and spoke to the women living there, many of whom talked positively about their experiences.
"Nobody forced me to wear the rings, I decided for myself," said one resident, named Mu Tae, in the film.
Mu Tae goes on to explain that personally she is welcoming of tourists who come to her village and buy crafts, saying: "Without any visitors it would be much harder for us to make a living."
She does, however, note that inhabitants do face limited economic options and hardships, primarily through being excluded from Thai citizenship.
The decision to visit the villages is therefore an ethical dilemma for travellers.
However, if you do end up going, make sure you do your homework beforehand and ensure that any money you spend benefits the locals directly and not shady tour operators.
Topics: World News, Travel
Brenna Cooper